How to Walk and Dance in Pleasers: A Beginner’s Guide
Where to put your weight, how to practise at home, how to break in new heels, and when you’re ready to dance on the pole in them.
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The quick answer
Balls of your feet, small steps
Keep your weight over the platform, walk slowly in short sessions, and master walking and floorwork before you take your heels to the pole.
Makes it easier
- A 6 or 7 inch heel
- Ankle straps or boots
- A clean, flat floor
- Short, regular practice
Makes it harder
- Starting at 8 inches
- Shoes that slip on your foot
- Tiles or thick carpet
- Rushing to spins
Which shoe should you learn in?
Start low and supported.
6 inch sandal
Pleaser Delight and similar.
- Lowest platform
- Lightest shoe
- Ankle strap
7 inch sandal
Pleaser Adore and similar.
- Classic first pole heel
- Easy step up later
- Ankle strap
Ankle boots
Boots hold your ankles.
- Steadier ankles
- Patent grips the pole
- Warmer
How do you walk in Pleasers?
Keep your weight over the balls of your feet on the platform, take small, slow steps, and practise for short sessions before you try dancing. Pole heels feel strange because the platform lifts the whole front of your foot, so you need to learn where your balance sits before you add turns or pole work.
Where should my weight be in pole heels?
Over the balls of your feet, not spread across the whole sole. The Milan Pole Dance Studio blog recommends learning to stand on the front platform (the “plateau”) and even squatting there to build balance. The platform also makes the slope of your foot gentler than it looks: an 8 inch Flamingo has a 4 inch platform. See our guide to pole heel heights.
How do I practise walking in Pleasers at home?
Build up in small steps. This order is based on the beginner progression suggested by Queenwear’s Pleaser guide:
| Step | What to practise | Move on when |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Stand still with your weight even, then shift from foot to foot | You feel steady standing |
| 2 | Walk slowly in a straight line, weight over the balls of your feet | You can walk without wobbling |
| 3 | Add slow pivots and changes of direction | Turning feels controlled |
| 4 | Rise onto the front platform and lower down | You can hold it without gripping |
| 5 | Add simple body waves, step transitions and floorwork | Moves feel smooth |
| 6 | Pole work: walks round the pole, then spins | Your instructor says you’re ready |
Top tip: keep sessions to about 10 to 15 minutes at first, on a clean, flat floor. Avoid slippery tiles, thick carpet and uneven ground while you’re learning.
How long does it take to break in Pleasers?
A few short sessions, wearing them around the house. Clear plastic straps can feel tight at first. Italian Pleaser stockist Pole Dance Trading suggests wearing them for a couple of hours with thick sports socks so the straps mould to your feet. Patent uppers soften and shape to your foot more slowly. The Milan Pole Dance Studio blog suggests simply wearing your heels around the house, even while you hoover.
Can beginners pole dance in Pleasers?
Yes, but learn to walk and do floorwork in them first. Heels classes usually start with posture, walking and balance before choreography, and Lou’s Polewear Studios advises practising walking and floorwork before pole work. Check your studio’s shoe rules too: some ask for pole heels, while others are happy for you to start barefoot or in socks.
Are boots or sandals easier for beginners?
Many beginners find boots steadier, because they hold your ankle. Ankle straps help in sandals too. The Milan Pole Dance Studio blog notes that patent boots grip the pole for climbs and tricks, while matte boots suit floorwork. See our guide to pole dancing boots.
How do I stay safe in pole heels?
- Remember your legs are longer in heels, so leave more space around other dancers.
- Take care when sitting or kneeling, so you don’t catch anyone with a heel.
- Check your heels before each session. Stop using them if the heel feels loose, the sole is coming away or a strap won’t fasten.
- Make sure they fit: your foot shouldn’t slide. See our Pleaser size guide.
Good heels to learn in
Pleaser Delight
A 6 inch heel on a 1¾ inch platform. The easiest Pleaser height to learn to walk in.
Pleaser Adore
A 7 inch heel on a 2¾ inch platform, with an ankle strap. A popular first pole heel.
Pleaser ankle boots
Boots hold your ankle more firmly than sandals, which some beginners find steadier.
Pole shoe protectors
Covers for the toe and heel, so floorwork doesn’t scratch your new heels.
Read our reviews of the Pleaser Adore and Pleaser Flamingo, our best 6 inch heels and where to buy Pleasers in the UK.
Walking in Pleasers: FAQs
How do you walk in Pleasers?
Keep your weight over the balls of your feet on the platform, take small, slow steps, and practise in short sessions on a flat floor before you add turns or pole work.
How long does it take to get used to Pleasers?
A few short sessions of 10 to 15 minutes around the house is a good start. Move on to turns, floorwork and pole work only when walking feels steady.
How do you break in Pleasers?
Wear them around the house. For tight clear straps, some stockists suggest wearing them with thick socks for a couple of hours so they mould to your feet.
Can beginners pole dance in heels?
Yes, but learn to walk and do floorwork in them first, and check your studio’s shoe rules. Many beginners start in a 6 or 7 inch heel.
Are pole boots easier than sandals?
Many beginners find boots steadier because they support the ankle. Patent boots also grip the pole well for climbs.
Hooked since a works night out in Nottingham. She’s taken classes from Hartlepool to Malta and San Diego, tried trapeze, lyra, silks and hammock, and taught pole and hammock.
A Greater Manchester mum who’s trained pole and aerial for over a decade, mostly at home, and started Loops World to share the kit that works.